Global full-service restaurant chain DineEquity Inc has signed an exclusive franchisee deal with the home-grown franchise firm Kwal's Group for setting up its restaurant brands Applebee and IHOP in India.

The deal involves Kwal’s Group setting up 20 IHOP restaurants across the country by 2025 on an individual investment of Rs 3.5 crore, Gary Moore, DineEquity Inc International VP said.

The California-based DineEquity, which holds franchisee rights for Applebee’s Grill and IHOP, said India is the 19th country where the breakfast chain is setting up operations.

“The addition of 20 IHOP restaurants in India is expected to generate at least a thousand jobs, with most goods and services being sourced locally,” Kwal’s Group managing director Sameer Lamba said.

According to information available on its website, DineEquity is on track to double its international presence to over 500 locations by 2021, with international regions including Latin America, the Middle East and Asia Pacific being key focus markets.